Applications are now open for Pinellas County’s People First Hurricane Recovery Programs, established to provide aid to those impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Milton.

The programs provide funding to repair damage, prevent long-term displacement and to make housing safer and more affordable.

Five programs are available, including for homeowner rehabilitation and reconstruction; homeowner reimbursement for repair work already completed; repair or rebuild support for landlords on properties deemed affordable; homebuyer assistance; and disaster relief reimbursement for expenses such as rent, mortgage or utilities.

The programs are open to all Pinellas County residents, except those who live within the city of St. Petersburg, which has its own recovery program called Sunrise St. Pete. For all others, aid is based on household income, with priority given to those with the biggest unmet financial needs.

Residents can check their eligibility online. If eligible, they can complete an application.

For a single-person household, residents must earn $87,600 per year or less to qualify for homeowner rehabilitation, reimbursement or homebuyer assistance; or $58,450 or less to qualify for disaster relief.

For couples, those thresholds are just over $100,000 and just shy of $67,000, respectively. A family of four must have a household income of $125,150 or less to qualify for rehabilitation, reimbursement or homebuyer assistance; or $83,450 or less for disaster relief.

To apply, individuals must provide a driver’s license or state-issued ID for all adult household members. If those documents are not available, qualifying identifying documents also include evidence of permanent residency for non-U.S. citizens and those with permanent resident alien status. Birth certificates are also required for all household members under the age of 18.

To verify income, applicants will be asked to provide W-2 forms or their most recent tax return, along with three recent pay stubs within the past three months. For those who are retired or receiving Social Security, three monthly bank statements, a current Social Security benefits letter, a current pension or retirement benefit letter or a current annuity payment letter are required.

Individuals who are self-employed should be prepared to provide their most recent tax return, W-2 forms and a current year profit and loss statement.

More information about the program is available online.

Assistance is also available by calling 727-606-3307 or emailing [email protected].

Caseworkers are on hand at People first Help Centers Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 2600 McCormick Dr., Suite 100 in Clearwater or 5000 Park St. N., Suite 4 in St. Pete. Pop-up locations around the county are expected to open soon.